Peak woolgrower representative body WoolProducers Australia has announced that they will be advocating for 1.5% in this year’s WoolPoll.
With voting opening on 13 September and the Voter Information Memorandum (VIM) available online from today, WoolProducers are calling on eligible levy payers to consider all of the information in the VIM before determining their vote.
WoolProducers have carefully considered the information provided in the VIM and determined that 1.5% is an adequate rate for AWI to conduct their operations.
WoolProducers President Mr Ed Storey said “According to the VIM, AWI have forecast reserves for the end of the financial year at 30 June, 2021 of $106.2 million. This does not align with the narrative that AWI needs more money to conduct basic research, development and marketing”.
AWI have claimed they need an increase in levy to fund R&D for the flystrike vaccine, lobbying the EU for fair labelling laws for wool, shearer and wool handler training, increasing wool’s use and marketing campaigns for the Northern Hemisphere.
Mr Storey said, “WoolProducers believes that these should be standard activities for AWI and if they need 2% to conduct these functions, you would have to question what they are doing with 1.5% that they currently receive?”
“In light of the information in the VIM, AWI simply have not made a strong enough case for WoolProducers to support a levy increase.” Mr Storey said.
WoolProducers understands that the wool industry, like every other industry, has experienced external shocks due to the COVID pandemic, however the healthy reserves that AWI continue to hold coupled with the fact that the $35million discretionary reserve was not utilised in this time, demonstrates prudent management by AWI.
Mr Storey said, “The 1.5% levy rate option recommended by WoolProducers is not a negative or protest recommendation, it reflects that 1.5% was an adequate amount of levy to be paid by woolgrowers that has enabled AWI to continue to operate”.
“Again, considering the VIM, which outlines numerous key achievements of AWI over the last three years, this was achievable with 1.5%, WoolProducers therefore believes that 1.5% is appropriate going forward, particularly in light of forecast increased production”. Mr Storey said.
WoolProducers also ask those growers who are disgruntled with AWI for whatever reason and are considering voting for a cut in the levy, that they need to consider the value of research, development and marketing for the longevity of the industry and vote 1.5%.
“If you want to change the direction of AWI, make sure you are a registered shareholder and make your vote count in the upcoming AWI director elections to vote for change.” Mr Storey said.
WoolPoll is a triennial vote undertaken by eligible wool growers to determine the amount of their wool cheque that goes towards research, development and marketing which is administered by AWI.
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WoolProducers Australia contacts: Jo Hall, CEO
02 6110 2067
Peak woolgrower representative body WoolProducers Australia has announced that they will be advocating for 1.5% in this year’s WoolPoll.
0438 309 500
About WoolProducers’ Australia
WoolProducers plays a critical role in working closely with companies and entities funded by woolgrower funds including compulsory levies or fees for service.
Its mission is to develop constructive and profitable outcomes for woolgrowers nationally.
The agency is responsible for appointing a director to each of the Australian Wool Exchange and the Australia Wool Testing Authority, promoting good corporate governance and ensuring that the interests of growers are met.
WoolProducers maintains a working relationship with Australian Wool Innovation as the voice of woolgrower shareholders. It aims to contribute to AWI’s programs for the benefit of growers, promoting responsible use of levy funds and ensuring good corporate governance.
The agency is responsible for appointing a director to each of the Australian Wool Exchange and the Australia Wool Testing Authority, promoting good corporate governance and ensuring that the interests of growers are met.
WoolProducers maintains a working relationship with Australian Wool Innovation as the voice of woolgrower shareholders. It aims to contribute to AWI’s programs for the benefit of growers, promoting responsible use of levy funds and ensuring good corporate governance.
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WoolProducers Australia contacts:
Jo Hall, CEO
02 6110 2067
Ed Storey, President
0438 309 500
About WoolProducers’ Australia
WoolProducers plays a critical role in working closely with companies and entities funded by woolgrower funds including compulsory levies or fees for service.
Its mission is to develop constructive and profitable outcomes for woolgrowers nationally.
The agency is responsible for appointing a director to each of the Australian Wool Exchange and the Australia Wool Testing Authority, promoting good corporate governance and ensuring that the interests of growers are met.
WoolProducers maintains a working relationship with Australian Wool Innovation as the voice of woolgrower shareholders. It aims to contribute to AWI’s programs for the benefit of growers, promoting responsible use of levy funds and ensuring good corporate governance.